What is a Chevy Volt considered?

The Chevy Volt is best described as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a gasoline-powered range extender. GM marketed it as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), using the Voltec propulsion system. It is not a pure battery-electric vehicle, and production ran from 2010 through the 2019 model year.

How the Volt is classified in the automotive world

To clarify how experts and officials describe the Volt, here are the key classifications and what they mean for operation and charging.

• PHEV — Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle: The Volt can be charged from an external power source and runs on electric power for a substantial portion of daily driving, with a gasoline engine/generator available for longer trips.


• EREV/REEV — Extended-Range Electric Vehicle / Range-Extended Electric Vehicle: The Volt’s gasoline engine primarily acts to generate electricity once the battery is depleted, rather than driving the wheels directly, which is a hallmark of range-extended designs.


• Not a pure BEV — It is not a battery-electric vehicle with no gasoline engine. While it can operate on electricity alone for a notable distance, the gasoline engine is integral for longer-range driving.


• Two generations, one propulsion concept — Both generations use GM’s Voltec electric-drive system, but with incremental improvements in battery size and electric range.

In summary, the Volt is widely categorized as a plug-in hybrid with a range-extending capability, rather than a pure electric car.

Generations and key specifications

Here’s a concise look at the Volt’s two generations and how they differ in battery capacity and electric range.

• First generation (2010–2015): 16 kWh battery with an EPA-rated all-electric range of about 35–40 miles per charge. The gasoline engine acts as a generator to extend range after the battery is depleted, using GM’s Voltec propulsion system.


• Second generation (2016–2019): 18.4 kWh battery with an EPA-rated all-electric range of about 53 miles per charge. Minor styling and feature updates accompanied the same basic drivetrain architecture, maintaining plug-in capability and the range-extender concept.

Across both generations, the Volt offered substantial electric driving capability with a gasoline backstop for longer trips, and it was discontinued after the 2019 model year as GM redirected investments toward other electrified models.

Glossary of terms commonly used with electrified vehicles

These terms frequently appear in coverage and consumer guidance around the Volt and similar cars.

• PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle — a vehicle that can be recharged from an external source and uses both an electric drivetrain and a gasoline engine.


• BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle — runs entirely on electricity stored in batteries, with no internal-combustion engine.


• EREV/REEV: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle / Range-Extended Electric Vehicle — terms describing a vehicle that uses a gasoline engine mainly to generate electricity after battery depletion, rather than to drive the wheels directly.


• HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle — a conventional hybrid that cannot be plugged in to recharge the battery; it charges primarily through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking.

These distinctions help buyers compare how the Volt fits into broader electrification trends and how it differs from all-electric or traditional hybrids.

Production context and legacy

The Volt marked a milestone in GM’s electrification strategy, balancing electric driving with a gasoline-based backstop. It debuted in 2010, spanned two generations, and was last sold in 2019. After the Volt, GM focused its all-electric efforts on the Chevrolet Bolt lineup and newer EV programs, while the Volt’s legacy persists as an early mainstream example of a plug-in hybrid with a range extender.

Summary

The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a gasoline range extender, commonly described as an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). It features two generations (2010–2015 and 2016–2019) that offered increasing all-electric ranges, but it is not a pure battery-electric car. Production ended in 2019 as GM shifted toward other electrified models.

What type of car is Chevy Volt?

hybrid electric plug-in vehicle
The Chevy Volt is a hybrid electric plug-in vehicle that is EPA-rated between 38 and 53 miles of all electric range when new, depending on model year.

What years of Chevy Volt to avoid?

The Chevy Volt years to avoid are generally the 2012, 2013, and 2017 models, primarily due to issues with the heater coolant heater, the auxiliary coolant pump, and the battery energy control module (BECM). The 2016 model also had more frequent issues, and some 2018 models need to be checked for the BECM failure if manufactured before March 2018. 
Years to avoid

• 2012 and 2013: These model years are prone to failures with the heater coolant heater and the auxiliary coolant pump, which can be expensive to repair or replace. 
• 2017: This year is notorious for BECM failures. While a recall and extended warranty are in place, the parts can be difficult to get, causing significant downtime. 
• 2016: Although the first year of the second generation, the 2016 model had a higher frequency of issues than other second-gen years. 
• 2018: Be cautious with 2018 models manufactured before March 2018, as they may have the same BECM issue that plagued the 2017 model year. 

What to look for in other years

• 2014 and 2015: These are generally reliable years, but the 2015 model was the last year of the first generation and had a smaller battery than the second-gen models that started production later in the year. 
• 2018: The 2018 model year is considered by some to be a good balance of value and reliability, especially if you can find one made after March 2018 to avoid the BECM issue. 
• 2019: The 2019 model year offers some upgrades but can be expensive due to dealer pricing. 

Can a Chevy Volt use a Tesla charging station?

Yes, you can charge a Chevy Volt at a Tesla station, but you will need a GM-approved adapter for Superchargers and should only charge at compatible V3 or later Superchargers. Destination chargers are compatible with a J1772 adapter for AC charging, while Superchargers require a NACS DC adapter and can be accessed through the myChevrolet app. Note that older Volts lack DC fast charging capability and will only charge at a slower AC rate. 
For Supercharging (DC Fast Charging)

• What you'll need: A GM-approved NACS DC adapter and the myChevrolet mobile app. 
• Compatibility: Only compatible with V3 or later Superchargers. 
• How to use:
  1. Activate your account: Use the myChevrolet app to activate your access to the Tesla Supercharger network and add a payment method. 
  2. Locate a compatible station: Use the myChevrolet app, Plug Share, or Chargeway to find a compatible V3 or later Supercharger. The Tesla app may also be used with your adapter, but some users have reported issues with their vehicles appearing in the app. 
  3. Park strategically: Park your vehicle so the charging cable can reach, which might mean parking in the space next to or behind the charger. 
  4. Plug in: Connect the NACS DC adapter to the Tesla cable, and then plug the adapter into your Volt's charging port. 
  5. Start charging: Your charging session should begin automatically through the app. You can monitor the progress in the myChevrolet app. 
• Important: The Volt's maximum DC fast-charging rate is much slower than the Supercharger's potential, so the charging will be limited by your vehicle. 

For Destination Charging (AC Level 2)

• What you'll need: A Tesla to J1772 adapter (also known as a Tesla Tap or similar).
• Compatibility: Compatible with Tesla Destination Chargers (the AC charging stations, not Superchargers).
• How to use: Connect the adapter to the Tesla charger and then plug it into your Volt's J1772 port. 

Key considerations for older models

• No DC Fast Charging: The 2015 and earlier Chevy Volt models lack the ability to DC fast charge. They can only charge at AC (Level 1 or 2) speeds, even at a Supercharger with the right adapter. 
• Slower Charging: If you are using a V3 Supercharger with an adapter, your Volt will charge at the maximum AC level 2 speed (around 3.63.63.6 kW) instead of DC fast charging speeds. 
• Use Destination Chargers: It is often more practical to use a Destination Charger with a J1772 adapter for AC charging. 

When did they stop making Chevy Volt?

The last model year for the Chevy Volt was 2019. General Motors discontinued the vehicle in February 2019, with the final car rolling off the assembly line on February 15, 2019.
 

• Production of the 2019 model year Chevrolet Volt concluded in early 2019. 
• The decision to discontinue the Volt was made by General Motors in order to shift focus to other models and vehicle types. 
• Though production has ended, the 2016–2019 models remain popular on the used market.